Claimed

Recently, a woman did some research for her husband on a topic about which he needed some information. She spent some time making sure he had exactly what he needed, something she says she makes a priority to do as an act of honor and service to him.  A few of his friends had also been looking for the info as well, which was a great help to him and a testament to his friendship circle.  "Many hands make light work."

 I seriously doubt if the wife wants the credit for the research, but when he was asked, the assistance is attributed to "(some) friends." This sits oddly with me, and I'm trying to figure out why.   This man loves his wife, but struggles, I think, with claiming her publicly.  Sure, it's faster to just say it was friends, less typing, I get that.  Maybe he was preoccupied and just answered as quickly as possible, though, that could have been a "Yes, I got it; thanks for asking."

It got me to thinking (yep, here we go again....) about things/people we claim and why.  We say,  "Oh, he's my son."  Or,  "That's my school."  Or, " I love my church."    We claim things to which we have a connection, a love, a commitment, and one about which we want others to know.

Something as simple being verbally "claimed" is powerful. I don't introduce my mom, my children, my fiancee very often without including how we are connected ~ because, for me, those connections are incredibly important.  Perhaps they're not as important to others, though, which is certainly possible ~ I do know I'm highly sensitive and relational (trust me, it's a blessing and a curse).

My friend, John, refers to his wife as "Beloved."  I can't remember the last time he used her name in a public forum, but what a beautiful claim he puts on her!  "Beloved"...... a powerful testament to how he sees her, and lets everyone else know as well. And, you can well imagine how she glows with the security and affirmation that brings.

So, then how can we "claim" those whom we say we love?   I'm sure not everyone would like to start using "Beloved" for their spouse, or "fruit of my loins" for their children (what's a good blog entry without some humour, really).

But, it's simple to say, "my wife," or is it?..... Let's practice "claiming" those we love.  The message we send is not one of ownership, but connection, respect, honor, and commitment ~ the very things that fill our love tanks to overflowing.